Teen stabbed after defending mother, daughter from harassment, police say

A teenage boy who was stabbed while stepping in to protect a woman and her daughter from alleged harassment in Kentucky is being called a hero.

Authorities have charged 45-year-old Vasilis Sakellaridis with first-degree assault, first-degree fleeing or evading police, second-degree disorderly conduct, and alcohol intoxication in a public place, according to Louisville Metro Department of Corrections records. Police say he stabbed 15-year-old Da’Jon Hayes-Burr.

On Saturday, Kristyn Stasel said she was leaving the annual Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show with her 12-year-old daughter in Louisville when a man approached them, according to WLKY.

Stasel said the man made a sexual comment, and when she told him her daughter was 12, he allegedly responded, “Never too young to have some fun.”

“I flipped, and I just started screaming as loud as I could,” Stasel said. “I just started screaming as loud as I could, like ‘pedophile, pedophile,’ like, to get anyone’s attention. And when I did, normally, someone would want to run away from being called that. Instead, he charged at me.”

Da’Jon was nearby with a group of other teens and heard the calls for help. According to a GoFundMe created for him, he stepped in to protect the mother and daughter.

Sakellaridis reportedly attempted to swing at the teens, who then knocked him to the ground. Stasel said she continued walking with her daughter, but the man soon returned.

She said he stabbed Da’Jon in the stomach and continued moving toward them. Authorities said about a dozen military personnel and police officers eventually subdued the suspect.

“That group of kids saved us, and I’m so glad that he’s just minorly hurt,” Stasel said. “And I know he said he didn’t feel like a hero, but he will always be a hero in my book because, again, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Da’Jon is expected to recover, though a GoFundMe notes his recovery will take time due to the physical and emotional impact of the incident.

Sakellaridis pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Monday, according to WDRB. He is being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

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